Russian strike severely damages Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral
Firefighters and workers were clearing debris on Monday after what Ukraine described as a deliberate Russian strike severely damaged a nearly 1,000-ye...
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr today, marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and charity. The two-day festival unites communities through traditions unique to each country.
Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, begins today, 30 March 2025, in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The celebration lasts for two days and is based on the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
The holiday begins with a special prayer, known as Salat al-Eid, performed in mosques or open prayer grounds. Before attending the prayer, it is customary to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity aimed at supporting those in need so they can also take part in the celebrations.
Across the world, various customs accompany the holiday. In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is common for people to travel to their hometowns, a tradition known as mudik, to celebrate with family. In Türkiye, special desserts such as baklava and şekerpare are prepared and enjoyed, earning the holiday the name "Şeker Bayramı" (Sugar Feast). In Egypt and parts of the Middle East, the first day of Eid often includes gatherings in parks, where families share food and children receive Eidiya—money gifts from elders. In the United States and Europe, Muslim communities organise large prayer gatherings, charity events, and cultural festivities to mark the occasion.
Apart from feasting and social visits, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for acts of kindness, forgiveness, and strengthening relationships. Many people take the opportunity to resolve past conflicts, extend greetings to neighbours and colleagues, and increase their charitable giving. It is also common to visit the graves of loved ones, offering prayers for the deceased.
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact date of Eid varies across countries. While some nations are celebrating today, others are set to begin their festivities tomorrow.
Beyond its joyful traditions, Eid al-Fitr carries a profound spiritual significance. It marks the completion of a month of fasting, self-discipline, and devotion, reminding Muslims of the values of gratitude, compassion, and unity.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Firefighters and workers were clearing debris on Monday after what Ukraine described as a deliberate Russian strike severely damaged a nearly 1,000-year-old cathedral in Kyiv, one of the country's most important religious and cultural landmarks.
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a major diplomatic success and a victory for peace.
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being recruited by a mystery figure known only as "EL Money".
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legislation that failed to complete its passage through Parliament earlier this year.
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